Jungarra Ngarrian
A completed collaboration that worked to protect the flora, fauna and cultural story of Cook Island Aquatic Reserve — bringing together Traditional Descendants, community volunteers, and conservation partners.
The Ceremony Place
of the Birds
"Jungurra Ngarrian is part of our story. It is the Ceremony Place of the birds."
An ancient place of significance
Jungarra Ngarrian — known widely as Cook Island — is an iconic landmark to the Tweed Coast that resonates as a place of significance to locals, sea goers, and Traditional Descendants of the region.
Formed by ancient lava flows and rising 24.8 metres above sea level, the island sits just 600 metres off the shore of Fingal Head. It is a protected Aquatic Reserve and one of the most biodiverse marine sites on the NSW coast.
The island is a safe haven for threatened migratory seabirds, and supports two reptile species and 25 plant species within its boundaries.
Conservation and culture, together
The Jungarra Ngarrian Conservation Project was a collaboration aimed at the preservation and protection of flora and fauna within the Aquatic Reserve, alongside the cultural empowerment of Traditional Descendants.
It incorporated both practical conservation work and the preservation of culture and story. Working together, partners addressed gaps in knowledge, deepened connections to Sea Country, and upskilled young people to take part in the strengthened management and protection of the reserve.
The project set out to create opportunities that continue the legacy of Caring for Sea Country — and much of the monitoring work Green Heroes runs today grew directly out of what it established.
Project objectives
The project had six core objectives, spanning cultural recognition, community capacity building, and ecological data collection.
"People ask: Why should I care about the ocean? Because the ocean is the cornerstone of earth's life support system — it shapes climate and weather. It holds most of life on earth. 97% of earth's water is there. It's the blue heart of the planet. We should take care of our heart."— Sylvia Earle, Marine Biologist
Jungarra Ngarrian in photos
Photos: Rudy Vir and Ashi Hilmer
The Jungarra Ngarrian Conservation Project is made possible through the support of our partners.
The work continues
Although this project has concluded, monitoring at Cook Island Aquatic Reserve continues year-round through our monthly expeditions. Get in touch if you would like to take part.
Acknowledgement of Country. Green Heroes acknowledges the Bundjalung and Yugambeh peoples as the Traditional Custodians of Jungarra Ngarrian and the surrounding lands and waters. We pay deep respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and honour the enduring cultural, spiritual and ecological connection of Traditional Descendants to Sea Country.